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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Python Institute
Exam Format
65 min
40
70%
Associate
Registration
$295 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
lifetime
Not required - certification is valid for lifetime
PCAP Exam Topics and Domains
PCAP is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with math, platform, random.
1
Modules and Packages
12%
Import and use modules and packages
Import variantsAdvanced qualifying for nested modulesModule introspection
- Understand different import mechanisms
- Navigate nested module structures
- Use dir() and sys.path effectively
Perform evaluations using the math module
Math module functions
- Apply mathematical functions for various calculations
- Understand rounding behaviors
Generate random values using the random module
Random module functions
- Generate various types of random values
- Control randomness with seed
- Select random elements from collections
Discover host platform properties using the platform module
Platform module functions
- Retrieve system and Python information
- Write platform-aware code
Create and use user-defined modules and packages
Module and package conceptsModule organization
- Create custom modules and packages
- Understand module execution contexts
- Design package structures
2
Exceptions
14%
Handle errors using Python-defined exceptions
Exception handling syntaxException hierarchy and properties
- Implement robust error handling
- Understand exception hierarchy
- Use assertions effectively
Extend the Python exceptions hierarchy with self-defined exceptions
Custom exceptions
- Create custom exception classes
- Design exception hierarchies
3
Strings
18%
Understand machine representation of characters
Character encoding
- Understand character encoding systems
- Work with different encoding standards
Operate on strings
String operationsString manipulation
- Perform string operations efficiently
- Understand string comparison rules
Employ built-in string methods
String methods
- Apply string methods for text processing
- Choose appropriate string methods for tasks
4
Object-Oriented Programming
34%
Understand the Object-Oriented approach
OOP concepts
- Understand OOP principles
- Identify class components
Employ class and object properties
Variables and properties
- Manage class and instance variables
- Implement encapsulation
Equip a class with methods
Method implementation
- Define and use methods
- Understand self parameter
Discover the class structure
Class introspection
- Inspect class structures at runtime
- Access class metadata
Build a class hierarchy using inheritance
Inheritance patterns
- Implement inheritance hierarchies
- Handle multiple inheritance
- Apply polymorphism
Construct and initialize objects
Object construction
- Implement constructors
- Initialize objects properly
5
Miscellaneous
22%
Build complex lists using list comprehension
List comprehensions
- Create efficient list comprehensions
- Use conditional logic in comprehensions
Embed lambda functions into the code
Lambda functions
- Create and use lambda functions
- Apply functional programming concepts
Define and use closures
Closures
- Understand closure concept
- Implement closures effectively
Understand basic Input/Output terminology
I/O concepts
- Understand I/O fundamentals
- Choose appropriate file modes
Perform Input/Output operations
File operations
- Perform file operations
- Handle I/O errors
- Work with binary data
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PCAP earns the PCAP - Certified Associate Python Programmer certification. It sits in the Python Programming track.
Current Level Exams
PCAP-31-03 - Certified Associate Python Programmer
Next Level Options
- PCPP-32-10x - PCPP1 - Certified Professional in Python Programming 1
- PCPP-32-20x - PCPP2 - Certified Professional in Python Programming 2
Alternative Paths
- PCAD-31-0x - Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python Specialized path for data analytics
- PCAT-31-0x - Certified Associate in Testing with Python Specialized path for test automation
- PCAW-31-0x - Certified Associate in Web Development with Python Specialized path for web applications
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for PCAP is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2022-03-07
Updates
- Python 3.x Exam covers Python 3.x features • Release date: Ongoing
- Object-Oriented Programming Core Python OOP 34% of exam focuses on OOP concepts • Release date: N/A
Who should take this exam?
- PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP-30-0x)
- 6+ months of experience with Python programming
- Experience with object-oriented programming concepts
- Familiarity with Python standard library